[jdh]

I have a 110 in 7 Mag, Brownell's has the 458 Mag conversion kits. The question is, does anything else need to be replaced or modified to avoid feed problems with the straight(er) walled cartridge?


I've asked why i need one and looked at like I just escaped from the institution when I mention I'm thinking about doing this. I really don't NEED it, a big deer around here runs about 100 pounds. But I've just wanted a 458 since Harry used one for a counter-sniper rifle. A Remington 700 Safari would be nice but I haven't seen one for sale locally in many moons.

 

[Charlie Petty]

Probably not although I'd ask Brownells to be sure.

 

[jdh]

Thanks Charlie,

The tech support guy said "I don't think so".

 

[William R. Moore]

I just happened to run across this. While the conversion kit may supply a barrel, I have to wonder if the stock will take the punishment. The really big stuff usually had crossbolts on both ends of the magazine well or a thicker than ususal stock-or both. An additional barrel mounted recoil lug was also sometime used.

Several decades ago, I ordered a stock from Fajens for something muscular and the wait was about 6 months. When I asked for an explanation it was that they were looking for a stock blank with straight enough grain and sufficient density.

By the way, how did it work out?

 

[Charlie Petty]

Good point. If the stock is a laminate it would probably be fine. I know the action length and bolt face are ok.

I do wish somebody would ask why in the world he'd want to do that...

 

[IrishCop]

Good point. If the stock is a laminate it would probably be fine. I know the action length and bolt face are ok.

I do wish somebody would ask why in the world he'd want to do that...

Charlie, he said it was because he wanted one, ever since "...I saw ("Dirty") Harry use one as a counter sniper rifle".

JDH, have you ever shot a .458 Magnum? Oh, and do you reload, 'cause the cheapest I've found the ammo is $75.99 a box for Hornady. :shock: Now that was a short search I'll grant you, but I also saw Federal Premium at $129.99 a box. :shock::shock: Nothing was exactly economical.

 

[William R. Moore]

Costs are why my project turned out much different than originally intended. I was gonna build a .416 Rigby. While the stock was on order I discovered: 1. I was going to have to buy .460 WM brass and turn the belts off, then form the brass. 2. The price of bullets. I think there were some extensive mods to the action/magazine box too.

Since the stock arrived suitably robust for a .416, it may someday get rebarrelled to one of the Ruger compact magnums-either .375 or .416. Maybe. Right now it's a .338 that's a pleasure to shoot even without a recoil pad.

 

[jdh]

Yes, I do reload. The range I have access told me to keep the load mild, preferably in the 45-70 range. Not too worried about the stock at those levels. I am looking at replacing the stock with one a bit more robust. Looking at options now.

I have 50 new Hornady and another 75 once fired mixed brass. One of the regulars at the gun shop said he has about 200 more (if he can find them) and gas check bullet molds he will let go of for a "reasonable" price.

BTW, the Dirty Harry comment was made with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

458 mag, no. 460 Weatherby mag and 458 Lott yes. Buy ammo for either one of those. The 458 looks like a bargain in comparison.

I have a little more work to do on opening up the barrel channel and reloading to the ranges satisfaction.

I'm also wondering how long the Nikko-Sterling Eurohunter 1.5-6 scope is going to last.

Why? Because it is there. I really have no good reason other than that.

 

[jdh]

As an aside, Barry Kaplan who was well know in the sniper community and a doctor at the prison where I worked, once told me "the older you get the smaller the hole in your barrel gets". Which prompted to me to ask him if we were still talking about guns. But I never was very good at taking advice and have to learn these things the hard way.

 

[bearcat6]

A good friend of mine(Now sadly departed) Had a Ruger in .458. He told his wife if an elephant ever escaped from the circus while it was in town he would need it. He used to let me shoot it off the bench. It was always good for some kicks.

 

[IrishCop]

As an aside, Barry Kaplan who was well know in the sniper community and a doctor at the prison where I worked, once told me "the older you get the smaller the hole in your barrel gets". Which prompted to me to ask him if we were still talking about guns. But I never was very good at taking advice and have to learn these things the hard way.

Jerry, no disrespect was intended. Just wanting one is plenty enough reason for anyone. Hell, I'm the guy that's got an Italian copy of a Sharp's rifle with a 32 inch barrel. Not exactly the most practical gun in the world.

 

[William R. Moore]

Some of us may need a barrel that long to see the sights.

 

[jdh]

Jerry, no disrespect was intended. Just wanting one is plenty enough reason for anyone. Hell, I'm the guy that's got an Italian copy of a Sharp's rifle with a 32 inch barrel. Not exactly the most practical gun in the world.

None taken. We can get that Sharps rechambered to a real caliber for you. Some guy named Matthew said 45-110 is the way to go.

 

[IrishCop]

Some of us may need a barrel that long to see the sights.

Unfortunately. my vision is heading south in BOTH axis! :ehsmile:

 

[Skeptic49]

Heck,
You need a piece like that in case something prehistoric visits your rec room.

Geoff
Who is a Reba fan. ;->

 

[stand watie]

to ALL,

fwiw, i've never seen a REAL need for anything heavier than a .375 Whelen, which is a .30-06 necked up to .375, as it is perfectly suitable for Cape Buffalo/lion/etc. = in fact, i wouldn't feel "nekkid" facing a tusker with one loaded with Barnes solids!

in point of fact, the .35 Whelen is also "well thought of" in Africa for dangerous game.

EITHER will NOT "beat you to death" when chambered in a gas-operated semi-auto.

yours, sw

 

[stand watie]

Irish Cop;jdh,

why not the .50-120 Sharps?

yours, sw

 

[jdh]

45-70 will shoot in the 45-110 and can be found in most gun shops. Should the unthinkable happen and you run out of 45-110 you could quickly re-supply with the lower powered round until you have a chance to make more. The 50-120 is not as common so you are SOL until you can make more.

 

[pdawg]

I have a Savage 116 I bought in 300RUM. I now have fitted barrels for the 375RUM, .458 Lott, and 2 wildcats based on the RUM brass, .358 and .416. The action and all the barrels have a witness mark on the bottom so it takes about 10 minutes to change calibers.

 

[WaltGraham]

Since we're talking "manly" calibers, I've got several boxes of .416 Rem. Mag. looking for a home.

I took them to a show recently and all they drew were amused comments...

I think Tom Thompson introduced me to the phrase:

"Kills at one end, maims at the other."